SPIED: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in La La Land

Redesigned Fullsizer to Lose Weight and Add Power

Spotted testing recently in Los Angeles was the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado 1500, likely due for the 2019 model year. The redesigned pickup will probably undergo several changes compared to the current truck, including a probable switch to aluminum bodywork, a la the 2015 F-150. We recently spotted the same (or a similar) truck near our El Segundo offices, though we suspected it was a GMC at the time.

Obviously, it’s difficult to decipher much from the heavily camouflaged truck, but we do recognize GM’s signature square wheel wells, a bold center grille bar with a bowtie logo, and extensive use of LED lighting front and rear. Door-mounted mirrors are an unusual addition to the Silverado lineup, but the stepped beltline is probably a trick of the camouflage; expect a traditional side profile from the 1500. This example also sports dark silver wheels with an attractive design, leading us to believe it’s likely a Silverado High Country.

Other than what we can barely make out from the photos, we don’t know much about the 2019 Silverado. We presume it will be available with a lineup of V-6 and V-8 engines, including a possible 3.0L twin-turbo V-6 and a 4.5L turbodiesel V-8 (we hope). The 10-speed automatic transmission jointly designed by GM and Ford will also appear in the Silverado 1500, standard on higher-spec trucks and optional on base models. And with a switch to aluminum bodywork, expect the 2019 Chevy to weigh 600-plus pounds less than the outgoing model.

Sources say to expect the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in mid-2018, so we’ll keep our eyes open for it at this year’s upcoming auto shows.